Between Governors Island, Siren, the Pool Party, the African Festival and so many other good show options in NYC this weekend, I almost forgot to highlight the dose of R&B & soul that is coming to town by the name of LA's Aloe Blacc...

"If you didn't already know about Stones Throw's many-talented soul singer/instrumentalist Aloe Blacc, that probably changed back in April when he was revealed as the artist behind the astonishing theme song for HBO's How To Make It in America." [LA Weekly]

Aloe Blacc will headline a show at Southpaw in Brooklyn tonight (7/16). He goes on late if you're still figuring out something to do. Peter Hadar and Kimberly Nichole are also on the bill and tickets are available at the door.

If you miss it, Aloe is also on the bill of Saturday's free show at Central Park Summerstage...

Giant Step is back with its annual SummerStage event at New York City's Central Park with headliner Raphael Saadiq, Aloe Blacc, TK Wonder and DJ Vikter Duplaix. Giants Step has presented many memorable shows including Femi Kuti, Jamie Lidell, Janelle Monaé, Seu Jorge and Gilles Peterson at SummerStage. Last year was one of the best with live performances by Q-Tip, Little Dragon, Chester French, and DJ Benji B. This year Giant Step will also be celebrating its 20th anniversary year.

Get there early. It's sure to fill up fast. "I Need a Dollar" and other videos below...